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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering at Northampton. Electronics and computer engineering sits at the convergence of hardware design and software systems.
BEng (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
100%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
University of Northampton’s Electronic and Computer Engineering BEng equips students with the skills to begin a career in the computer industry.... From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.1
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong69
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional100
Stronger evidence Published sample: 13,535. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Problem Solving and ProgrammingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming lan
- Computer SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
- Engineering Industry PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to examine key factors which complement technical elements of engineering, understanding of which is regarded essential in todays industrial environment. Analysis of the key areas of quality, standards sustainability, project management and ethics form strong themes throughout the module.
- Electrical and Electronic PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques to build a firm foundation for the analysis, operation, problem solving and circuit simulation exploring both DC and AC electrical and electronics circuits.
- Mathematics for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study related engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of mathematics and to develop analytical problem-solving skills in the context of engineering and engineering systems.
- Electronic Engineering PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students' confidence in the use of electronic design tools in the simulation, design, manufacturing and testing of circuits for real-world applications.
Year 2 6 modules
- Introduction to Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The module introduces fundamentals of data science and machine learning. Students will gain understanding of ethical and legal considerations when analysing data and acquire skills to address bias. Students will practice using data processing, modelling and visualisation tools for problem solving of practical challenges and the development of AI-driven applications
- Microprocessors and Internet of Things (IoT)Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This purpose of this module is for students to explore a range of applications and design principles of various microprocessor based systems that can support the development and analyse of emerging Internet of Things technologies.
- Mobile Application DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is designed to give an understanding of the technologies (hardware/software) and how these are utilised in a modern networks. This understanding is then use to develop the necessary skills to design and implement (programming) software to be deployed within modern networks.
- Advanced Mathematics for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module enables students to build on the basic mathematical principles studied in the first year and aims to give students the advanced knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study advanced engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of advanced mathematics.
- Analogue and Digital ElectronicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces electronic devices, circuits and circuit theory which form the building blocks of a practical electronic system. In understanding the limitations and performances of such devices and techniques students will appreciate how a system may be degraded or enhanced by their selection and application.
- Electronics Instrumentation and Control SystemsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The module applies knowledge gained in the study of Mechanical Principles and Electrical Principles and introduces the basic concepts of instrumentation and control systems. This module provides rigorous analysis of control systems and studies the design of controllers and the implementation of control algorithms.
Year 3 5 modules
- Advanced AI and ApplicationsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to: teach students the fundamental theories and practical applications of advanced artificial intelligence techniques including artificial neural networks, image classification and object detection. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how responsible and ethical artificial intelligence applications are developed and tested.
- Mobile ComputingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to identify modern mobile computing in terms of its hardware and software and the networks that support mobile devices as well as to implement software to run in a mobile computing context.
- Advanced Electro-Mechanical System DesignCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module teaches the design of electromechanical systems which integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. Laboratories form the core of the module. These cover topics such as transducers, signal conditioning, filters, closed loop control, digital logic, embedded systems and PLCs. Labs involve Arduino and PLC software such as Codesys.
- Advanced Digital ElectronicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides a modern introduction to logic design and the basic building blocks in digital systems. It covers combinational logic circuits and sequential circuits. State machines are illustrated through case studies of more complex systems. Signal processing techniques using programmable logic devices are introduced using Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
- Engineering ProjectCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module provides the opportunity to apply and develop theoretical knowledge in an individual project and individual report. By completing the module students will gain experience of researching the necessary technical information, of solving cross-disciplinary technical problems. This module could form the assessment for any University approved industrial placement opportunity.
IFY 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in EngineeringCompulsory40 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course equips you with the skills to begin a career in the computer industry through a blend of electronics and computing. You'll typically start with Engineering Mathematics, Mechanics & Materials, and Design & Practical Skills to build your foundations. In Year 2, you'll progress to core modules such as Circuits & Systems and Engineering Analysis & Computing, including simulation and programming, alongside a group design project assessed to industry standards. Year 3 introduces specialist options, such as Robotics & Mechatronics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, or Energy & Sustainability, alongside Professional Engineering Practice (covering safety, ethics and sustainability) and an individual project that forms the degree's centrepiece. A Chartered (CEng) pathway is also available for those seeking professional registration.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how electronic systems and software interact, and you're comfortable with both mathematical reasoning and hands-on problem-solving. You enjoy working through complex technical challenges and want a course that balances theory with real-world application. This programme suits you if you're prepared to engage in independent learning alongside taught modules, and if you're aiming to move into engineering roles in industry after graduation. Most recent entrants came in with A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff points in the 96–111 range.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90 per cent of engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those in work, 80 per cent are in highly skilled positions. Graduate earnings across the engineering field show a starting median around £29,000–£35,000 at 15 months post-graduation; after five years, this typically sits between £33,150 and £46,800. These figures come from Graduate Outcomes and the Department for Education's Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, so they reflect the broader graduate population rather than University of Northampton cohorts specifically.
University & format
The BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering is delivered full-time over 3 years at the University of Northampton, a university founded in 1975 and located at Waterside Campus. Taught in English, the course leads to a nationally recognised UK degree. The University holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
PlacementPublished placement option
Industrial placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£18,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,000 | £28,500 – £35,000 | 13535 |
| 3 years after | £31,500 | £26,000 – £41,000 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £40,000 | £32,000 – £46,500 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 13,535. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
100%
in work or further study 15 months on
60%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£32,000
£29,000 – £35,000After 3 years LEO
£31,500
£26,775 – £37,800After 5 years LEO
£40,000
£33,150 – £46,800national rangethis course’s medianaxis £25,000 – £48,500
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
100 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working15% working and studying5% in further study60% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 13,535. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
This course £40,000Peer median £38,500Middle 50% £35,500–£42,500
59th percentile
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and Financial Project Management ProfessionalsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering worth it?
Yes, for most students BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£130,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Strong payoff: this course pays for itself faster than a typical degree
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 10.9. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
+£130,630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
5.4×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£40,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£16,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
90%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Engineering courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes80%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled88%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Engineering Surveyor (Machine Control)BAM UK & IrelandEngineering Operations Project ManagerFdo Consulting LimitedEngineering ManagerVerto PeopleEngineering ManagerRobert WaltersEngineering ManagerPremier Technical RecruitmentEngineering ManagerRedline Group LtdLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 68.7% · in work or study 100% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Engineering and technology across the UK
Students176,530
Aged 25+23%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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